The SKINcredible Team: Nurse-Driven Approach to Decreasing Hospital-acquired Pressure Ulcers

Quarterly surveys revealed elevated hospital-acquired pressure ulcer rates unchanged by previous interventions. A random survey of nurses revealed gaps in awareness and knowledge. Low staff engagement in previous initiatives was identified as a barrier. The unit-based skin champion team (SKINcredible) was reorganized into an interactive multidisciplinary group whose members were focused and committed to improve outcomes. Evidence-based nurse driven protocols including risk assessments and a nursing order set were implemented hospital wide. Quarterly National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators data showed a greater than 65 percent reduction in the occurrence of HAPU.

This case study is part of the Illinois Hospital Association's annual quality awards. Each year, IHA recognizes and celebrates the achievements of Illinois hospitals in continually improving and transforming health care in the state. These hospitals are improving health by striving to achieve the Triple Aim--improving the patient experience of care (including quality and satisfaction); improving the health of populations; and reducing the per capita cost of health care.

Award recipients achieve measurable and meaningful progress in providing care that is:

• Safe
• Timely
• Effective
• Efficient
• Equitable
• Patient-centered

(The Institute of Medicine's six aims for improvement.)